Computer-Assisted Disability Access Demonstration Improving Quality of Life

Class Objectives Class Objectives Demonstration of Assistive Technology (AT) Demonstration of Assistive Technology (AT) Benefits of AT Benefits of AT Quality of Life and AT Quality of Life and AT Limitations of AT Limitations of AT Health Care Providers and AT Health Care Providers and AT

What is Assistive Technology (AT)? Assistive Technology (AT) is any device that enables a person to maintain or improve function. (Helpful tools for Senior Citizens; Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii; 2000; page 8.) Assistive Technology (AT) is any device that enables a person to maintain or improve function. (Helpful tools for Senior Citizens; Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii; 2000; page 8.)

AT can be simple A magnifying glass A magnifying glass A straw A straw Anti-glare screen for the monitor Anti-glare screen for the monitor Door handles instead of door knobs Door handles instead of door knobs Calculators/clocks with extra large digits Calculators/clocks with extra large digits

AT can be complex Dragon NaturallySpeaking (software) Dragon NaturallySpeaking (software) JAWs (screen reader software) JAWs (screen reader software) ZoomText (screen magnifier software) ZoomText (screen magnifier software) Talking clock Talking clock AlphaSmart portable note taker AlphaSmart portable note taker

Dragon NaturallySpeaking software

ZoomText computer software

Benefits of AT Maintains or improves daily function Maintains or improves daily function Reduces stress-related injuries Reduces stress-related injuries Eases integration into society (levels the “playing field”) Eases integration into society (levels the “playing field”) Modifies the environment instead of the person Modifies the environment instead of the person

Assistive Technology improves the quality of life AT enables a person to function at his or her own pace. AT enables a person to function at his or her own pace. AT fosters independent living. AT fosters independent living. AT levels the “playing field” so all can participate. AT levels the “playing field” so all can participate.

Examples of AT include: TTY telephones TTY telephones Automatic Doors Automatic Doors Adaptive Computing Adaptive Computing

TTY telephone TTY telephone

Automatic Door Automatic Door

Adaptive Computing Adaptive Computing

AT also includes Adaptive Computing  Adaptive computing is changing the computer via software or hardware to make it more accessible to persons with a disability.

There are two types of Adaptive Computing Hardware Hardware  Ergonomic keyboards  Trackball mouse  Large screen monitors  Head operated mouse  Video Magnifier (CCTV) Software Software  Speech-to-text software (Dragon NaturallySpeaking)  Screen reader software (JAWs)  Screen enlarging software (ZoomText)

To determine what AT the person needs Do a Fundamental Assessment Process (FAP) Do a Fundamental Assessment Process (FAP)

The person knows what works and does not work for them After an initial trial period, if the person says they don’t like the AT or says it ‘doesn’t work,’ then find other AT to try. After an initial trial period, if the person says they don’t like the AT or says it ‘doesn’t work,’ then find other AT to try. A good AT match is an interactive process. A good AT match is an interactive process.

When choosing AT Match the person with the AT. Personal likes and dislikes are important in AT. Match the person with the AT. Personal likes and dislikes are important in AT. Keep in mind the cost of the AT. AT ranges in price from inexpensive to very expensive. Keep in mind the cost of the AT. AT ranges in price from inexpensive to very expensive.

If the person is a computer novice It may take the person a little longer to learn to use the AT. It may take the person a little longer to learn to use the AT. Mention this to the person, so they don’t get discouraged. Mention this to the person, so they don’t get discouraged. Sometimes it isn’t a ‘lack of progress,’ it is just a part of the normal learning curve. Sometimes it isn’t a ‘lack of progress,’ it is just a part of the normal learning curve.

Health Care Providers play an important role in AT  Health Care Providers are able to help the person determine what functional abilities they have.  Health Care Providers can suggest AT when it is needed.  Health Care Providers can refer the person to AT resources for more information.

Web sites for more information about AT  Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii  Pacific Disability and Business Technical Assistance  Disability and Communication Access Board  Centers for Independent Living cil.html cil.html cil.html